Meaning & Definition of Paternal in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Of or appropriate to a father.

  Example Sentence: He took a paternal interest in their education.

• Definition: Inherited from one's father.

  Example Sentence: The paternal lineage can be traced back for generations.

• Definition: Relating to the father's side of the family.

  Example Sentence: They celebrated their paternal heritage during the family reunion.

Etymology

Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin paternalis, from pater, patr- 'father'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• paternal rights: Legal rights of a father regarding his children.
• paternal instinct: Innate tendency of a father to care for and protect his children.
• paternal figure: A man who acts as a father, often providing support or guidance.

Translations

• Spanish: paternal

• French: paternel

• German: väterlich

• Russian: отцовский

Related Words

• paternity: The state of being a father.

• patriarch: The male head of a family or tribe.

• patrilineal: Inheritance or descent through the father's line.